The Future of Harley Davidson
Oct 15th, 2008 by Leo
There’s no motorcycle company that’s been as good at positioning itself as Harley Davidson. Even more so than the Italian Ducati, Harley Davidson has a sound, a look, clothing, wallets, and a lifestyle geared around its product. When most non-motorcyclists in the US think of motorcycles, they think Harley. When they hear “biker” they think Harley-biker…or Rock and Roll, Guns n’ Roses…and more recently, middle-aged banker. Surprisingly (to me) Harleys are popular in Japan…with its combination of low seat height and macho image. But the average age of Harley riders in the US is in their 50′s, and they haven’t been able to get a market share among newer riders.
Their newest take on the classic muscle cruiser, the V-Rod, was met with a little bit of disdain by die hard Harley riders for its futuristic look and difficult riding position (low bars AND feet forward, makes you think of touching your toes). But I think the V-Rod was a step in the right direction…you can only sell 50′s replica bikes for so long. Overall I’m torn when it comes to Harleys… On the one hand, they have this image, and so they should be true to it. But on the other hand their image doesn’t promote good riding skills or safety or functionality or speed/handling… So what do you think? Do you or would you ever consider riding a Harley?
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The 2008 Fat bob is supposed to handle quite nicely. And if I had to get a harley, I would have to live away from the city and it would have to be giant son of a gun, otherwise whats the point?
My feeling on HD is that they used to be cool and macho and bad-assed but now I see swarms of middleaged bankers/lawers/doctors riding them and I think “poser”. HD was synonymous with Hells’ Angels and other bike gangs. But now HD people are out of control with all the clothing they wear and stickers they put on their trucks/SUVs. I feel they are a very yuppie product.
I agree that HD has done a fantastic job of cultivating an image and really developing a client base but I tend to think that the only people who can afford them are not the people that come to mind when I think of HD. Never say never but I would never own one (well maybe a Nightrod). Chrome makes me sick and the idea of riding in a pack with a bunch of douchebags from CT makes me sicker. Hey, I’m just saying……
You want a bad ass bike with a bad ass image? Go Indian or Norton.
Nope.
You’re correct that HD is better than most at “positioning itself”, or more specifically, extremely masterful at pushing their brand. However, the one thing that turns me off from them is that their brand IS so strong. So much so, that it’s comes off as a kind of “you’re either with us, or you’re against us” kind of vibe, and I find that weird combo of “pseudo-rebel elitism” really distasteful. I actually like the Nightster, but would never buy one because of the marketing/image/culture baggage that seems to come with owning an HD. The brand’s success is it’s own worst enemy.
I think its important to note that “douche bags” come in all shapes, sizes and rides.
And that no one buys a motorcycle soley as a practical purpose, the “image” comes into play for everyone.
Sanka… Good point. I am sure to some I would be a douche bag and that is fine. It has less to do with what they ride and more with that I just get super aggro at this time of year with all the leaf peepers doing stupid things on our roads.
As for the image coming in when considering a bike, I wouldn’t say it is a consideration for everyone and every bike. My first bike was a SV650S and I honestly to this day couldn’t tell you what the “image” is of that bike. I bought it for the practical reasons of it being a natural progression from my 250 enduro and the good reviews I read about it as a bike to learn on. My next purchase was a Speed Triple and I will admit that has an image to it and that was a small part of why I bought it. The main reasons were reviews of riding it and how it looks (I guess that may be part of the image)
Hey Sub,
I meant riding motorcycles in general, rather than types of rides, is an image thing. I would argue that no one sits on their couch and thinks “hey lets ride a motorcycle to work or on the weekends because its the practical thing to do!” Image has been tied into this product for ages.
Sanka
Btw, anyone watch the show Sons of Anarchy? I’m not into the HD image, but I think it’s a good show… You can watch it here:
http://www.hulu.com/sons-of-anarchy